College of New Rochelle Women’s Volleyball Team Competes for Second Consecutive Year at National Collegiate Athletic Association Tournament

November 30, 2017

The College of New Rochelle (CNR) women's volleyball team “The Blue Angels” recently finished its season placing second at the NCAA III (National Collegiate Athletic Association) 2017 Women's Volleyball Championships Georgetown Regional at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas.

The team played against the Colorado College Tigers, the number one team in the regional bracket and NCAA III, which were 31 - 1 on their season. CNR finished up their regular season at 20 – 10 and won their fifth consecutive championship in the Hudson Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Despite the team falling to Colorado College in the NCAA tournament in three close sets, 17 - 25, 20 - 25 and 17 – 25, they are pleased with earning their second spot in the national competition.

“For the second year in a row, unprecedented, our volleyball team achieved a great honor. They are blessed to compete against the best teams from around the country,” said John “Jay” Butler, Director of Athletics and Wellness Center at The College of New Rochelle. “This is a huge accomplishment for our student-athletes, coaching staff and department of athletics. They have set a standard in which all of our other teams aspire to achieve.”

According to CNR Women’s Volleyball Coach Alyssa Kaufman, the Blue Angels came out with a lot of energy and confidence throughout the season and in this game, as they took on the number one team in the country. The Blue Angels were noticed by many in the gym for playing with passion and enjoying the game. It was a good test of what the team needed to improve on to continue to be seen on the volleyball court at a national level.

Sophomore setter/right side Cristal Michelle Liciaga (San Juan, P.R.) performed well on the championship court finishing the three set match with 11 kills and 12 assists. Senior libero Fabiola Angeli Padilla Rios (San Juan, PR) led both teams on the match with 13 digs.

Kaufman added: "I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to compete in the national tournament for the second year in a row. The team is eager to become more competitive and add the pieces to our roster to have another shot at the tournament in the future. We will enjoy some time off before getting back at it in the off season to prepare for next season."